My apologies if all of this has been covered before, but I don't recollect another thread that dealt with the subject comprehensively...
Who should be concerned about headspace?
I imagine that a shooter that buys a complete carbine and never shoots it enough to have to replace a bolt has little need to worry about headspace. What scenarios, however, necessitate verification of safe headspace with appropriate gauges? Replacing a broken bolt? Assembling an upper from parts chosen à la carte? Reaming a SAAMI-spec chamber to NATO spec? Swapping bolts between uppers?
How often does headspace need to be checked?
Is there a recommended interval at which headspace should be checked (e.g., every X-thousand rounds)?
How does one verify proper headspace?
I assume that headspace gauges are the only way to properly check headspace. Does one need a “Go” Gauge to check minimum headspace AND a “No-Go” Gauge to check maximum headspace? What is a “Field” Gauge, and how is it different than a “No-Go” Gauge? Does one need “military” gauges to check 5.56x45mm NATO and “civilian” gauges to check .223 Remington? What are the preferred brands of gauges?
What is a “fitted” bolt?
I see some vendors advertising “fitted” bolts sold along with a barrel. Does this mean that over-sized parts have actually been fitted for optimal headspace? Or does this simply mean that headspace has been gauged and verified to be safe?


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